Mobile apparatus for the induction heating of metal ingots

ABSTRACT

Induction heating apparatus is disclosed comprised of a track mounted wheeled carrier carrying one or more induction heating coil assemblies. The carrier is adapted to be moved along the track by motor means mounted on the carrier, and electrical power for energizing the motor means and the induction heating coil assembly or assemblies is transmitted thereto by means of a contact device such as a pantograph carried by the carrier for sliding engagement with an overhead or underground conductor. All equipment necessary to the operation of the induction heating coil assembly, such as transformers, capacitor banks, cooling means and the like are mounted on the carrier.

m1 3,705,285 Dec, 5, 1972 United States Patent Cachat I54] MOBILE APPARATUS FOR THE XX ll 55 MM 55 v0.0 ll n t e u fln v. 1 EH 06 66 99 11 l/ 21 ll 09 87 00 0 36 68 23 INDUCTION HEATING OF METAL INGOTS 2 [72] Inventor:

2,933,584 4/1960 Thielsch............................2l9/l0.79

John F. Cachat, Cleveland, Ohio [73] Assignee: Growth International, Inc.,

Primary Examiner-J. V. Truhe Assistant Examiner-B. A. Reynolds Attorney-James I-l. Tilberry et al.

Cleveland, Ohio 22 Filed:

211 Appl. No.: 196,028

a track mounted wheeled carrier carrying one or more induction heating coil assemblies.

The carrier is [52] US. Cl. ..........219/10.57, 2l9/l0.69, 219/10 .79 [51] adapted to be moved along the track by motor means .I-I05b 5/08 mounted on the carrier, and electrical power for energizing the motor means and the induction heating coil assembly or' assemblies is transmitted thereto by means of a contact device such as a pantograph carried by the carrier for sliding engagement with an overhead or underground conductor. All equipment necessary to the operation of the induction heating coil assembly, such as transformers, capacitor banks, cooling means and the-like are mounted on the carri- 11 .85 00 a .119 3 5 .7M 00. a l. 7 i8 9 4 00 4 110 ,1 79.: 007. MAN 7 6 2 huo 1 mW al 2 s ..o.. d l e i F. l 00 5 9 .X H 8 am 9." I." am m; n Mm m y m 6 WH 003 55 99 11 I5 6 5 8 3 2 2,889,438 6/1959 McDanels et al..............2l9/10.79 X 3,505,492 4/1970 Ross 9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED EB 5'97? SHEET 2 [IF 2 INVENTOR. JOHN F. CACH AT BY Mam, 744% 8 Emily ATTORNEYS have a permanent use location relative to an underlying support surface such as a floor or the like. The coil itself may be adapted to be elevated and lowered or otherwise manipulated to facilitate introduction and removal of a workpiece tobe heated, but for all practical purposes, the use location for the coil and related equipment is fixed. Such fixed positioning of induction heating equipment results in permanent occupancy of a considerable amount of floor spacewhich is therefore unavailable for other use during periods when a given piece of equipment is not being used. Moreover, if the space occupied by the equipment is desired for other purposes, then it becomes necessary to manually disas-. semble and remove the coil and its equipment in order to clear the area.

Among other problems attendant to the use of stationary coil and equipment assemblies include the fact that a workpiece must be transported to the coil location for heating and, after heating, must be transported to a subsequent work station or other point of destination. In transporting the workpiece to and from such a fixed location it will be appreciated that valuable time may be lost in addition to the timenormally required to position the workpiece relative to the coil and to achieve the desired heating of the workpiece. Thus, such transportation requirements can be disadvantageous from an economical standpoint. Further, if the heated workpiece is to be transferred to a subsequent work station at which it is to be worked while still hot, the time required to achieve such transportation may result in an undesirable drop in workpiece temperature.

The present invention advantageously provides for avoiding the foregoing disadvantages and others of fixed induction heating arrangements. More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, a coil assembly and all equipment related to the operation thereof including electrical equipment, cooling equipment, controls, and the like are adapted to be supported on wheeled carrier means which readily providefor the apparatus to be moved from one location to another in a minimum amount of time and in a manner whereby the induction heating coil either at its point of departure from one location, its point ofarrival at a second location, or during its travel between the locations can be energized to inductively heat a workpiece therein. Thus, a workpiece can be transported from one work station to another and inductively heated during such transportation, whereby the time of transportation is not lost time. Further, by providing for such mobility of the coil and its associated equipment valuable floor space can be saved. In this respect, such a mobile unit can readily be removed from the work area to a storage area and another unit or units can then be moved into the work area for use. It willbe appreciated, therefore, that in a given work area any number of mobile units can selectively be put to use, whereas a work area commensurate with the total number of heating units would have to be provided if the heating units were positionally fixed with respect to the work area. Thus, in accordance with the present invention versatility of coil assembly and equipment use is provided which heretofore was not attainable.

Further, in accordance with thepresent invention, the foregoing advantages are achieved by providing overhead or underground electrical conductor means together with contact means mounted on the carrier for sliding engagement with I the conductor means. The conductor means is connected to a source of alternating current which is conducted to the carrier through the contact means for energizing the induction heating equipment. This arrangement provides for mounting coil energizing equipment such as transformers and capacitors directly on. the carrier for movement therewith, whereby the coil assembly can beenergized at all times without the necessity of making electrical connections between the coil assembly and the related equipment.

The carrier means can be moved from one location to another in any one of a number of different ways including, for example, the use of a towing vehicle. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, however, the carrier advantageously may be selfpropelled. In this respect, motor meanssuch as an electric motor can be directly mounted on the carrier and energized from the alternating current source through the carrier contact means. Theelectric motor can be suitable interconnected with the wheels of the carrier -to provide for the motor to drive the wheels and thus move the carrier along an underlying support surface such as a floor. Moreover, the carrier can advantageously be equipped with means to control motor operation whereby movementof the carrier and the control of such movement can be achieved from a remote location. Similarly, control equipment can be provided on the carrier to permit remote controlof the heating coil operation.

The carrier may beof a size large enough only to support a small coil and any associated equipment desired or required, and may vary from such a small size to a size large enough to carry a plurality of coil units. With regard to the latter size carrier, it is contemplated that such a carrier could be constructed to include a cab or the like for an operator who would ride in the cab with the carrier and from the cab control the necessary operations of the coil units and movement of the carrier. Such a carrier might, for example, have dimensions corresponding generally to the dimensions of a railway engine.

In its broadest aspects, the present invention contemplates a carrier wherein mobility is provided by any suitable ground engaging means such as wheels, rollers or endless tracks adapted to ride on an underlying support surface such as a floor. Preferably, however, guide track or rail means is provided on the underlying sup- Port surface to support the carrier for movement therealong, especially if the carrier is of a large size. Such track or rail means facilitates guiding movement of the carrier during its use to avoid any problems which might be encountered with regard to maintaining electrical contact between the power source conductor and the contact means of the carrier. With such a track guidance system, an overhead or underground contact arrangement can be employed for conducting electricity of injury to the personnel by contact therewith is avoided.

An outstanding object of the present invention is the provision of induction heating apparatus which permits induction heating of a workpiece to be achieved while the workpiece is being transported from one location to another.

Another object is the provision of induction heating apparatus including induction heating coil means which is movable from-one location to another and is energizable during such movement.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of induction heating apparatus which provides for an induction heating process involving transfer of a workpiece tobe achieved in a minimum amount of time and with a minimum loss of heat from the workpiece upon removal of the workpiece from the apparatus.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of induction heating apparatus including a mobile coil unit readily movable from a storage position to a use position and adapted when in the use position to be associated with an alternating current source of power in a manner permitting mobility of the coil unit during 1186.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of induction heating apparatus. which is movable relative to a conductor of an alternating current power source therefor and which is adapted to be energized from the power source through the conductor during movement relative thereto.

Yet another object is the provision of induction heating apparatus including mobile carrier means having contact means associated therewith for sliding engagementwith a conductor of an alternating current power source thus permitting induction heating equipment including coil means to be mounted on the carrier for movement therewith and energization through the contact means.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of induction heating apparatus of the foregoing character wherein the carrier is self-propelled by motor means energized from the power source through the contact means, whereby the carrier can be moved FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially in section, of I another embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section of yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, of still another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still a further embodiment of the present invention.

. Referring now to the drawing in greater detail wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, induction heating apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 1 which is comprised of induction heating coil means 10 mounted on wheeled carrier means 12. Coil means 10 may be of any suitable structure and, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, is illustrated as being generally rectangular when viewed in the direction of the axis thereof, and is depicted as being mounted on carrier means 12 with its axis extending vertically relative thereto. In a manner well known, coil means 10 is comprised of a plurality of convolutions 14 of tubular conductive material such as copper embedded in suitable refractory insulating material 15, whereby an opening is defined through the coil for receiving a workpiece W. In this instance the coil means is a continuous coil of tubing and has opposite ends 16 and 18 disposed adjacent the upper surface of carrier means 12. Coil ends 16 and 18 are adapted to be connected to a suitable source of cooling fluid, not illustrated, so as to define inlet and outlet ends, respectively, for circulation of cooling fluid through the coil means in a manner well known. Since carrier means 12 is mobile it will be appreciated that coil ends 16 and 18 will be connected to the cooling liquid supply by means such as flexible hoses which will permit the necessary movement intended for the carrier. Alternatively, as described more fully hereinafter, the source of cooling fluid may be mounted on the carrier, whereby the extent of mobility is desirably increased.

Carrier means 12 may be of any suitable construction and the specific structure thereof is not of importance to the present invention. Preferably, however, body portion 20 of the carrier is produced from nonmagnetic material so as not to interfere with the operation of the coil means. In the embodiment illustrated, carrier means 12 includes a plurality of wheel elements 22 suitably mounted thereon for rotation relative thereto and in engagement with underlying track elements 24 and 25. Wheels 22 and tracks 24 and 25 provide for guiding movement of carrier means 12 relative to an underlying support surface such as floor 26. Track elements 24 and 25 may, of course, be layed on floor 26 to define any desired path of movement for coil means 10 such as might be required, for example, to provide for transporting coil means 10 relative to a plurality of succeeding work stations. Carrier means 12 can be moved along track elements 24 in any desired manner and such movement will depend, in part, on the size of the coil unit and carrier. If the assembly is small, movement could be imparted manually thereto. If somewhat large, movement could be imparted by pushing or pulling the assembly through the use of a suitable vehicle. Further, the carrier can be self-propelled, as described more fully hereinafter.

Energization of the coil means 10, of course, requires that ends 16 and 18 of coil 14 be connected across a suitable source of alternating current. This is achieved in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

1 by providing the carrier means with contact means 28 comprised of conductor means 30 and a sliding contact or shoe 32. Conductor means 30-extends below carrier means l2 and shoe 32 is provided on the lower end of conductor means 30 so as to slidably engage conductor means 34 disposed in a channel 36 provided beneath the upper surface of floor 26. Channel 36 is provided with a slot 38 opening through floor 26, whereby conductor means 30 can extend through the floor to channel 36. A source of alternating current 40 is connected across underground conductor 36 and track element 24. Presuming that coil means is matched with source 40, the coil means can be connected directly to the source without the necessity of a transformer therebetween. In the present embodiment matching is presumed and the connection achieved through panel board means42 disposed on carrier means12 within a suitable housing or enclosure 44. Panel board 42 is provided with a pair of bus conductors 46 and 48 mounted in-spaced relationship on a board 50 of suitable insulating material. Conductor means 30 includes a lead 52 connected to one end of bus bar 46 and the other end of the bus bar is connected to coil end 16 by a lead 54. One end of bus bar 48 is connected to coil end '18 by a lead 56 and the other end of bus bar '48 is connected to track element 24 through a lead 58, wheel axle 60 and the corresponding wheel 22 riding on'track 24. In this respect, it will be understood that axle 60 and wheel 22 are of conductive material. The electrical connection between lead 58 and axle 60 may be a fixed connection if the axle is fixed relative to the carrier and wheel 22 is rotatable relative to the axle or, alternatively, if axle ,60 is rotatably relative to the carrier the electrical connection can be achieved by providing lead 58 with a brush or shoe contact engaging the axle. It will be appreciated that insulating means will be provided, where necessary, between the carrier body and axles if the body is of conducting material. It will be appreciated therefore that coil means 10 is adapted to be energized from the power source at all times including those periods during which carrier means 12 is moving along the track elements. It will be further appreciated that, in the event coil means 10 is not matched to the power source, suitable transformer means will be provided within housing 44 in order to properly match the coil and power source. Carrier means 12 advantageously provides for any such equipment to be mounted thereon for movement therewith to provide for energization of coil means 10 during movement of the carrier means. workpiece W may be lowered into coil 10 and lifted therefrom, or leads 54 and 56 may be of a length to permit the coil to be elevated and lowered relative to a workpiece on the carrier or otherwise manipulated to facilitate relatively positioning the workpiece and coil. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention similar in many respects to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In this respect, coil means 62 is suitably mounted on carrier means 64 having wheel elements 66 which provide for supporting the carrier means for rolling movement along a pair of track elements 68 and 70. Coil means 62 in this instance is illustrated as being generally rectangular when viewed along the axis thereof and is mounted on carrier means 64 with the coil axis extending generally parallel to track elements 68 and 70. Further, coil means 62 is comprised of a pair of coil sections 72 and 74 which are pivotally interconnected in a manner whereby the coil sections are pivotal longitudinally of the coil axis and in opposite directions between open and closed positions. Such a coil structure is'illustrated in thecopending application Ser. No. 140,546 of Robert J. Kasper filed May 5, 1971 and assigned to the-assignee of the present application. In the open position of the coil sections a workpiece can be introduced therebetween, and in the closed position of the coil sections, the latter are disposed in induction heating relationship with the workpiece. To facilitate such pivotal movement, the tubing of the coil sections is interconnected by flexible coupling means 76 disposed between the corresponding inner ends of the tubing of the sections and adjacent carrier means 64. Coupling 76 may be of flexible conductive material to provide electrical continuity between the coil sections and to permit circulation of cooling fluid from one end 78 of coil means 62 to the other end 80 thereof. Alternatively, coupling means 76 could be of non-conducting material such as rubber in which case electrical continuity could be achieved by interconnecting the tubing ends with a 1 length of stranded conductor cable or the like.

Coil means 62 is adapted to be energized by connecting ends 78 and 80 thereof across a suitable source of alternating current. In accordance with the'embodiment in FIG. 2, this is achieved by providing an overhead conductor 82 and connecting an alternating current source 84 across conductor 82 and track element 68. Carrier means 64 is provided with contact means 86 including a contact element or shoe 88 adapted to slidingly engage overhead conductor 82. Contact means 186 extends upwardly from carrier means 64. in the manner of a pantograph assembly of an electric railway engine and it will be appreciated that such a pantograph assembly can have any desired structure and will preferably be associated with carrier means 64 in any suitable manner which will provide for the contact shoe 88 to be resiliently biased toward overhead conductor 82 to assure good and continuous contact therebetween.

Carrier means 64 is provided with enclosure means 90 which, in a manner similar toenclosure 44 of the embodiment of FIG. 1, may include transformer and capacitor means for coil means 62, if required. In any event, enclosure means 90 defines a junction box or the like to facilitate the electrical connection of contact means 86 to the adjacent end 78 of coil means 62 such as by lead means 92. The electrical circuit for energizing coil means 62 is completed by electrically connecting end 80 of coil means 62 to track element 68 through suitable lead means 94, wheel axle 96 and the corresponding wheel element 66 riding on track element 68. For this purpose it will be appreciated that axle 96 and wheel 66 are of conductive material. It will be appreciated that the electrical connection between lead 94 and axle 96 can be achieved in the manner 1 described hereinabove with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1. It will further appreciatedthat ends 78 and 80 of the tubing of coil means 62 provide for interconnecting the coil means with a source of cooling fluid for circulation thereof through the coil units in a manner similar to that of the coil means in FIG. 1.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the carrier means is readily adapted to be selfpropelled. In this respect, with reference to FIG. 3 of the drawing, carrier means 98 is illustrated which is comprised of a non-magnetic body portion 100 and wheel elements 102 mounted on axle means 104 and 106 which are rotatably mounted on the body portion whereby the wheel elements rotatably engage track elements 108 and 110 for rolling movement therealong. Body portion 100 is adapted to support suitable induction heating coil means, not illustrated, such as the coil means illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. Such coil means is adapted to be energized by being connected across a source of alternating current in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, carrier means 98 is provided with contact means 112 for electrical contact with an underground conductor-114 of the power supply. It will be appreciated, of course, that the electrical pick-up andelectrical connection to the coil means could be of the overhead character illustrated in FIG. 2. Any suitable means may be provided for propelling carrier-means 98, and in the process. Similarly, it will be appreciated that motor 116 or any other motor means provided for moving the carrier can be associated with enclosure means 132 for similar purposes and to provide for all of the'auxiliary equipment on the carrier to be disposed in a single location, whereby the remainder of the carrier is available to support one or more induction heating coil units. Further in this respect, it will be appreciated that all of the auxiliary equipment could be located substantially centrally of the longitudinal axis of the carrier with coil means on one or both sides of the equipment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention wherein coil means 146 is disposed on wheeled carrier means 148 provided with electrical pick-up means 150 in a manner similar to carrier means v 12 and 98 described hereinabove. In the embodiment embodiment of FIG. 3 the carrier means is adapted to be propelled by electric motor means 116 having drive shaft means 118 operatively interconnected" with at least one of the wheel elements 102 of the carrier to impart rotation thereto. For example, motor shaft means 118 may drive a gear element 120 through suitable gear reduction means 122. Gear 120 in turn drives a gear 124 rigidly attached to wheel axle means 104, whereby the wheel axle and the corresponding wheels 102 are rotated relative to carrier body 100 to drive the carrier means along the track elements. If desired, axle means 106 and the corresponding wheel elements 102 may also be positively driven by motor 116. For example, axle means 104 may be provided with a gear 126 and axle means 106 with a gear 128, and gears 126 and 128 may be interconnected by belt or sprocket chain means 130, whereby rotation of axle 104 imparts rotation to axle 106 and the corresponding wheel elements.

- Motor 116 is advantageously adapted to be energized from the alternating current power source. In this respect, contact means 112 is interconnected in housing means 132 with conductor means 134 leading to motor 116. conductor means 136 leads from motor 116 and is interconnected in enclosure 132 with a lead 138 having brush contact means engaging axle means 106, whereby the circuit is completed through the axle and corresponding wheel element 102 to track element 108. Leads 140 and 142 are adapted to connect the coil means, which is not illustrated, across the power supply. When motor 116 is energized the driven wheel or wheels rotate to move the carrier along the track elements, and when the motor is de-energized the carrier, of course, stops. Motor control means 144 may advantageously be provided in the motor circuit to facilitate the stopping and starting of the motor'and any other control function to be exercised with regard to the motor, such as the speed and/or direction of rotation thereof. The specific control means desired and the specific construction and operations thereof will vary. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the control means for the motor preferably will be disposed within enclosure means 132, whereby the control means can be protected from the heat of an induction heating of FIG. 4, coil means 146 is illustrated as being defined by a pair of separate coil sections 152 and 154 mounted on the carrier bed for pivotal movement between an open position in which the coil sections are adapted to receive a workpiece W therebetween as illustrated in FIG. 4 and a closed'position in which the coil sections are brought together to surround the workpiece in inductive heating relationship with regard thereto. Coil section 152 is defined by a continuous tubular conductor having opposite ends 156 and 158, and coil section 154 is defined by a continuous tubular conductor having opposite ends 160 and 162. Coil section 152 is connected across the power source by leads 164 and 166 connected to ends 156 and 158 respectively, of the coil section, and coil section 154 is similarly connected across the power supply by leads 168 and 170 connected respectively to coil ends 160 and 162. Leads 164 and 168 of the coil sections are connected to pickup means 150 within enclosure means 172 in a manner such as that described hereinabove, and leads 166 and 170 may be connected in the manner described hereinabove to complete the respective ,coil circuits back to the track element to which the power supply is connected. Further, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4, the opposite ends of the tubular conductors of coil sections 152 and 154 are connected to a source of cooling fluid 174 which advantageously is mounted on carrier means 148 for movement therewith. Cooling fluid source 174 will include a quantity of cooling fluid such as water necessary to cool coil sections, means such as a pump to circulate the cooling fluid through the coil sections, and suitable refrigerating means to cool the circulated fluid. Motor components of such refrigerating means and circulating means preferably are electrically operated and to facilitate electrical energization thereof leads 176 and 178 are provided between enclosure 172 and source 174 for delivering current to the latter from the power source. To facilitate circulation of cooling fluid between coil sections 152 and 154 and source 174, the latter is provided with a fluid outlet line 180 of nonconductive material to which coil ends 156 and 160 are suitably connected in a manner permitting pivotal movement of the coil relative thereto, and a fluid return line 182 of non-conductible material to which coil ends 158 and 162 are similarly connected. Thus. a mobile carrier and induction heating assembly is illustrated in FIG. 4 in which movement of the carrier, and accordingly the induction heating equipment, is unrestricted as it might otherwise be the cooling fluid supply was not mounted on the carrier for movement therewith. It will be appreciated of course,'that carrier means 148 can readily be provided with self-propelling means of the'character illustrated in FIG. 3, and that the cooling supply means 174, driving motor means for the carrier and any electrical equipment necessary to the operation thereof or the energization of the coil sections a can be disposed within a single enclosure suitably positioned on the carrier means, as opposed to having enclosure 17 2 and cooling fluid source 174 disposed at opposite ends of the carrier.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention wherein wheeled carrier means 184 supports ajplurality of induction heating coil units 186, 188 and 190. Coilunits 186, 188 and 190 are each comprised of a pair of .pivotal coil sections similar to ,1

coil sections '152and 154 of coil means 146 illustrated in' FIG. 4. In the present embodiment, however, the coil units aredisposed with the axes thereof parallel to one another and transverse to "the longitudinal axis of the carrier means to providefor: mounting the coil units on theicarrier in a minimum amount of longitudinal space along the carrier. The'coilunits are connected in electrical parallel across a source of alternating current 192 by corresponding pairs of leads, not designated numerically. Further, the coil units are connected to a source of cooling fluid 194 mounted on the carrier in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, it is not believed necessary to discuss the electrical and fluid connections in detail. The coil sections of each coil unit may be separately energized in the manner. illustrated in FIG. 4 or may be electrically interconnected for energization in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. It is only necessary to be sure that the electrical connections provide for the current flow through corresponding pairs of coil sections to be in the same direction. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5, the electrical circuit for supplying alternatingcurrent from power source 192 to the coil units, cooling fluid supply source 194 and any other included equipment such as motor means providing for self-propelling of the carrier, and transformer and capacitor means necessary to the operation of the coil units, includes a pair of overhead conductors 196 and 198 across which the power supply is connected and a pair of pantograph units 200 and 202 having sliding contact respectively with conductors 196 and 198 and leading to enclosure means 204. One of the pantograph units supplies current through enclosure 204 to the various electrical equipment therein and the other of the pantograph units defines a return path to the power supply to complete the circuit. This arrangement advantageously provides for the conductors of the power supply systems to be maintained overhead whereby there are no conductors on or below ground level to endanger personnel. With the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5, suitable controlsmay be provided to facilitate energization of the coil units independent of one another, whereby any one or all of the units can be employed at a given time. It will be further appreciated that any such control means may be remotely operated such as from a remote control station from which the apparatus can be observed. Such a station might be separate from the carrier or could be defined by a cab or other suitable enclosure mounted on the carrier for'an operator of the apparatus. Such remote control functions, in addition to providing for the energization and de-energization of a coil unit. could be provided for control of the pivotal movement of the coil sections during introduction and removal of a workpiece therefrom and control of energization of a coil unit in response to operating conditions such as the surface temperature of a workpiece being heated.

It will be appreciated in view of the foregoing description that extremely versatile induction heating apparatus is provided in accordance with the present invention which not only facilitates transfer of a workpiece from onelocation to another and heating of the workpiece during such transportation, but further provides a complete self-contained unit which can be placed into and taken out of use ina minimum amount of time and with a minimum amount of effort and which, when in use, is advantageously adapted to be remotely controlled whereby the apparatus is readily adaptable to many induction heating processes- 0 f further advantage is the fact that the induction heating apparatus is of a character which can readily be adapted to carry out a given induction heating process through a programmed control of carrier movement, coil energization and, the like.

As many possible embodiments of the present invention may be made and as many possible changes may be made in the embodiment herein illustrated, it is to be distinctly understood I that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the present invention and not as a limitation.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim 1. Apparatus for the induction heating of a metal ingot comprising, a wheeled carrier movable relative to an underlying surface, an induction heating coil disposed on said carrier in a fixed location relative thereto and for movement therewith, said carrier being adapted to support an ingot to be heated in induction heating relationship with-respect to said coil thereon, a source of alternating current separate from said carrier and including conductor means, and means including contact means carried by said wheeled carrier for connecting said coil with said source of alternating current for said coil to be energized during movement of said carrier, said contact means being slidably engagable with said conductor means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, and an electric motor mounted on said wheeled carrier for moving said carrier relative to said underlying surface, said motor being connected to said source of alternating current through said contact means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, and motor control means between said contact means and said motor.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2, and a source of cooling fluid on said wheeled carrier for movement therewith, and means connecting said source of fluid with said coil for circulation of cooling fluid through said coil.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, and track means between said wheeled carrier and underlying surface and on which said carrier is supported for rolling move ment, an electric motor on said carrier for moving said carrier along said track means, and means connecting means connecting said motor to said source of altemating current includes means operable to control said motor.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said coil includes coil portions pivotally mounted on said carrier for movement between first and second positions, said coil portions when in one of said positions being spaced apart to facilitate introducing or removing a workpiece therebetween and in the other of said positions being disposed in inductive heating relationship with respect to a workpiece therebetween.

8. Apparatus for the induction heating of a metal ingot comprising: A wheeled carrier movable relative to an underlying support surface, an induction heating coil disposed on said carrier in a fixed location relative thereto and for movement therewith, track means between said carrier and underlying surface for supporting and guiding movement of said carrier and coil relative to said underlying surface, an electric motor on said carrier for moving said carrier and coil along said track means, a source of cooling fluid mounted on said carrier, means connecting said source of fluid with said coil for circulation of cooling fluid through said coil, a source of alternating current separate from said wheeled carrier and including conductor means, contact means carried by said wheeled carrier for sliding engagement with said conductor means, and means connecting said motor and coil with said contact means for said motor and coil to be connected to said altemating current source and energizable during movement of said carrier.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said coil includes coil portions pivotally mounted on said carrier for movement between first and second positions, said coil portions when in one of said positions being spaced apart to facilitate introducing or removing a workpiece 

1. Apparatus for the induction heating of a metal ingot comprising, a wheeled carrier movable relative to an underlying surface, an induction heating coil disposed on said carrier in a fixed location relative thereto and for movement therewith, said carrier being adapted to support an ingot to be heated in induction heating relationship with respect to said coil thereon, a source of alternating current separate from said carrier and including conductor means, and means including contact means carried by said wheeled carrier for connecting said coil with said source of alternating current for said coil to be energized during movement of said carrier, said contact means being slidably engagable with said conductor means.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, and an electric motor mounted on said wheeled carrier for moving said carrier relative to said underlying surface, said motor being connected to said source of alternating current through said contact means.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, and motor control means between said contact means and said motor.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 2, and a source of cooling fluid on said wheeled carrier for movement therewith, and means connecting said source of fluid with said coil for circulation of cooling fluid through said coil.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, and track means between said wheeled carrier and underlying surface and on which said carrier is supported for rolling movement, an electric motor on said carrier for moving said carrier along said track means, and means connecting said electric motor to said source of alternating current through said contact means.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said means connecting said motor to said source of alternating current includes means operable to control said motor.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said coil includes coil portions pivotally mounted on said carrier for movement between first and second positions, said coil portions when in one of said positions being spaced apart to facilitate introducing or removing a workpiece therebetween and in the other of said positions being disposed in inductive heating relationship with respect to a workpiece therebetween.
 8. Apparatus for the induction heating of a metal ingot comprising: A wheeled carrier movable relative to an underlying support surface, an induction heating coil disposed on said carrier in a fixeD location relative thereto and for movement therewith, track means between said carrier and underlying surface for supporting and guiding movement of said carrier and coil relative to said underlying surface, an electric motor on said carrier for moving said carrier and coil along said track means, a source of cooling fluid mounted on said carrier, means connecting said source of fluid with said coil for circulation of cooling fluid through said coil, a source of alternating current separate from said wheeled carrier and including conductor means, contact means carried by said wheeled carrier for sliding engagement with said conductor means, and means connecting said motor and coil with said contact means for said motor and coil to be connected to said alternating current source and energizable during movement of said carrier.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said coil includes coil portions pivotally mounted on said carrier for movement between first and second positions, said coil portions when in one of said positions being spaced apart to facilitate introducing or removing a workpiece therebetween and in the other of said positions being disposed in inductive heating relationship with respect to a workpiece therebetween. 